World of Darkness, the in-development MMO that was based on the rather user acclaimed Vampire: The Masquerade universe, has now been officially cancelled developer CCP announced today.

The title's cancellation has resulted in the layoff of 56 employees at CCP's Atlanta office, though a number of staff members have been offered roles within the company. CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Petursson offered his condolences in a prepared statement, stating that "the decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I've ever had to make."

I have always loved and valued the idea of a sandbox experience set in that universe, and over the years I've watched the team passionately strive to make that possible.

To our current and former employees and fans of World of Darkness, I am truly sorry that we could not deliver the experience that we aspired to make. We dreamed of a game that would transport you completely into the sweeping fantasy of World of Darkness, but had to admit that our efforts were falling regretfully short. One day I hope we will make it up to you.

Petursson revealed that the remaining staff will continue to work within the EVE universe, which will be the first time the company has worked on a single games universe since 2006. Currently the studio is working on EVE Online, DUst 514 and EVE Valkyrie.